Windows on ARM won’t support some business features

Microsoft previously disclosed that Windows on ARM will feature a desktop mode to ensure an identical user experience between ARM and Intel-based tablets. On Wednesday, however, the software giant revealed that Windows on ARM won’t offer certain manageability features, AllThingsD reported. “Although the ARM-based version of Windows does not include the same manageability features that are in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, businesses can use these power-saving devices in unmanaged environments,” Microsoft said. In addition to the lack of manageability, businesses may be hesitant to use Windows on ARM due to its inability to run, emulate or port existing x86/64 desktop apps. Read on for more.

Microsoft detailed a new feature on Wednesday called “Windows To Go,” which will allow a business to offer access to Windows 8 and corporate apps on a thumb drive. “Growing mobility and consumerization trends pressure IT professionals to provide users with secure access to a corporate operating system and apps in situations when a device or network is out of the IT department’s control,” Microsoft said. “Windows 8 includes the ability to provide users with a full corporate copy of Windows (along with user’s business apps, data, and settings) on a USB storage device.”

The feature is compatible with both Windows 7 and Windows 8 machines. “When users insert their device into any Windows 7 or Windows 8 compatible PC and restart the PC, they get their entire personal environment, and operate as a fully managed device,” the company added. “When they sign out, they can remove the USB device, and it is ready to use on another PC.”